Services: BIM

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J.M. Wilkerson Construction Co., Inc. utilizes Building Information Modeling (BIM) software on almost every project. Understanding the importance of this new technology for our industry, we have devoted full time employees to the development of its benefits, creating BIM models for pricing, clarification and review. In addition, we now work with our clients and design teams developing models that show Conceptual, Marketing, Estimating, Design, Logistical, As-Built Conditions and Facility Management.

BIM creates a dynamic 3D model of a project, which aids in the concept, design and construction process. It does this through the use of object driven data, which includes building geometry, spatial relationships, geographical information, quantities and the properties of building components. This allows us to visualize, coordinate, predict costs, resolve conflicts and extract data before we actually start the construction process. Also, with advances in technology and software, BIM allows us to branch out into 4D encompassing time and scheduling and into 5D integrating estimating and cost.

BIM has become a major part of our process from the preconstruction phase through final closeout, enabling the owners, design team and construction team to see the project in a 3D digital model, during all phases of construction. Being able to visualize the project at the conceptual phase allows us to plan budgets, logistics and phasing, as well as to define the scope of work for the individual trades, scheduling around any conflicts seen in the model. This helps reduce costs that may have required rework, change orders, RFI’s and delays to the project.

Using BIM’s expansive databases, for both quantities and material take-offs, creates a more accurate estimate and aids in the purchasing process. Once under construction, BIM enables the construction managers to better understand the design and accurately plan the remaining steps. It also enables our onsite managers to track the construction schedule through its use of project phasing. Also by tracking changes throughout the project, BIM provides a more comprehensive set of as-built drawings, allowing the end user to manage the facility with a detailed understanding of what was put in place during the construction process.

We strive to contract with sub-contractors who have BIM resources, but often need to supplement their capabilities with our own expertise. If required by the owner or the project specifications, we will create as-built files that incorporate all structural, mechanical and electrical trades. This tool has become a critical step in our recent success with our sub-contractors, using it on many significant projects.

JMW utilizes the following programs:

Revit Architecture

Revit Structure

Revit MEP

Auto CAD Civil 3D

3DS Max Design

Navis Works

QTO

Auto CAD (Full Suite)

Conceptual Models
JMW creates Conceptual Models during the design phase of a project. Our team works with owners and designers to assist in site layouts, test fitting of buildings, orientation, access and many other design related issues. With this model, we can establish early pricing and value engineering, as well.

Conceptual Models provide the owner with marketing or fundraising materials suitable for add campaigns, project interest, and potential investors. JMW has created dozens of models of this type and provides this as part of our basic services on all Design/Build projects.

Clarification Models
Clarification Models are smaller models that outline a specific detail or area of a project. Many projects have a signature element or a highly detailed area that is a visual focal point. We can create a Clarification Model to highlight the details of this specific area for the owner, sub-contractors and construction team. These small, critical models have helped to reduce the number of RFI’s and provided needed clarity, reducing the number of questions submitted on our jobs.

Estimating Models
Estimating Models are heavy with information and data; they typically lack the visual appeal or marketing look, but provide layers of detailed information necessary for quantity and specification usage.

JMW utilizes them for:

Take-offs for more competitive estimates

Clarification of sub-contractor quantities and scopes of work

Owner and designer Value Engineering meetings and review

Creation of detail spreadsheets that help quantify purchasing, selection of materials, and co-ordination with plans and specifications

JMW’s goal is to link these Estimating Models with our Timberline Estimating Software. Through the use of QTO and other programs, we are developing a direct translation between these models and a real time estimate, that changes as the design team makes changes. This provides our clients with a close to real time estimate during the design process.

Logistics Models
Logistics Models provide our teams with the ability to stage a project and develop the process for material staging, access, hoisting, phasing of work, and safety. Any job with site complexity will require a well-orchestrated Logistics Model. BIM will aid in this development and help streamline the process, as well as, save costs.